rough- can mean several things for example the opposite of smooth His hands were very rough. He is not gentle- he is a rough boy. tough- a person or thing that is strong and can stand up to rough treatment "This material is very tough and therefore suitable for making work clothes" Cruel- opposite of kind "That king is very cruel and mistreats his people". Mean- similar in meaning to cruel but a bit less strong "That boy is mean to his little sister and teases her a lot".